When fall arrives in New York, you do not have to check the calendar to know it has arrived. You can feel it in the cooler weather and you can see it in the changing colors of the New York fall foliage.
Once you start to reach for a cozy sweater or fall hiking outfit, then it is time to head outside and see the leaves turn from green into glorious shades of orange, red, and yellow.
When September starts to introduce shorter days, you can get away and see the vibrant shades from several tree varieties.
Seeing how the leaves change before the nip of winter comes in would also make a great reason for a getaway. Get some fresh air and wrap up warm as we look at the best New York fall foliage.
Table of contents
- What Is Considered Fall Foliage ?
- Finger Lakes
- Hudson Valley
- Hudson State Historic Park
- Bear Mountain
- The Storm King Art Center
- Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway
- The Adirondack Mountains
- Saratoga Springs
- Lake George
- New York City
- Central Park
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- Staten Island
- The Bronx
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
What Is Considered Fall Foliage?
When the season of fall occurs, it brings with it the natural phenomenon of the changing color of leaves.
Deciduous trees and shrubs change color from green to various shades of orange, red, yellow, brown, and purple.
This occurrence is known by various names such as fall foliage but also fall colors, autumn foliage, and autumn colors.
Eventually, the leaves fall to the ground so you may want to experience them earlier while they are still on the trees. It’s time to strap on some boots and kick across piles of gorgeous fallen leaves and enjoy the fall colors.
There is also the term ‘peak’ which is used to describe color changes. In that sense, the peak is typically when the foliage has its best overall appearance for brilliance, color transition, and eventual dropping of leaves.
The foliage change may vary depending on weather and tree variety, so don’t be discouraged if you see mostly green leaves. Enjoy the fall colors.
Finger Lakes
Even outside of fall, Finger Lakes is truly deserving of a visit for anyone who loves the outdoors. From huge state parks to stunning waterfalls and superb hiking trails, you can take your pick of where to go and what to see.

However, there are two parks to recommend Taughannock Falls State Park and Glen State Park. These two come top of the list. Throughout October, you can enjoy the changing colors of black birch, red maples, sweet and sour gums, and tulip trees.
Hudson Valley
Situated around 90 miles north of New York City, Mohonk Mountain House in the Hudson Valley is a superb destination for a weekend getaway.
The Victorian castle has elegant interior design, including vintage fireplaces, and offers views of the fall foliage.
In October, the red maple, hemlock, and sassafras trees display a blend of yellow, orange, and red hues.
You can see them from your room, but it’s worth exploring the grounds, lake, and engaging in activities like hiking, paddle-boarding, or tomahawk throwing.
Hudson State Historic Park
From mid-October to early November, head to Hudson State Historic Park and find their walkway.
Across the 1.28 mile-long bridge connecting Poughkeepsie to Highland, you can enjoy the orange and yellow shades on various tree species such as red maple, maple, white oak, and tulip trees.
If you have a young family then the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum in Poughkeepsie is worth seeking out for its programs and hands-on exhibits which should keep the kids entertained.
Bear Mountain

For more family-friendly fun, drive an hour and ten minutes from New York City to Bear Mountain. Enjoy fall foliage from various tree species and engage in a variety of activities.
Whether you want to take a walk across the Bear Mountain Bridge, paddle your way through Hessian Lake, or enjoy a sedate afternoon fishing, there is plenty to do. The Trailside Museums and Zoo can also entertain the family for a few hours.
The drive from Manhattan will include the Palisades Parkway where you can see the red and orange-hued trees as they dominate the landscape.
As you arrive at the park, you can even seek out the views from the top of the mountains. While it may be a bit chilly for a picnic, for the New York fall foliage, the best time to visit is from mid to late October.
The Storm King Art Center
In Orange County, you can find a vast collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures. The Storm King Art Center in Mountainville is known for its open-air museum and the best time to visit is in late October.
The Storm King is surrounded by vibrant yellow, orange, and red trees, which can distract from the sculptures. The unforgettable colors include American sycamore, red maples, oaks, hickory, and tulip trees.
Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway
From early to late October, head to the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway for incredible color displays of fall foliage. The 88-mile loop can be found north of Manhattan Midtown between New Paltz and Keserhonkson.
Pay attention to the road but try to glance at the views as you climb the Shawangunk Mountains. These are over 2,000 feet above sea level.
There are two overlooks to enjoy which include vast views of the Catskill Mountains and the Rondout Valley.
Once you do stop, try to find a spot at Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Take this chance to rock climb, cycle, take a hike to a waterfall, or simply just enjoy a walk.
For a mix of red, orange, and green hues on the leaves, the red maples, black birch, sweet and sour gums, and tulip trees will provide some visual stimulation.
The Adirondack Mountains
In the higher elevations, fall foliage can occur a bit earlier from early October. Bang in the middle of the Adirondack Mountains is Lake Placid. This area is known for its mountain peaks, waterfalls, stunning lakes, gorges, and, of course, forests.
For some awe-inspiring vistas in the fall, try a hike to the top of a mountain. If heights are not your thing then try a canoe ride across one of the crystal clear lakes.

The Adirondack Mountains may be worth a weekend trip as there is so much to see and do. Enjoy the black birch, red maples, and tulip trees to corn mazes, ghost tours, hot air balloon rides, and scenic flights.
Flexibility in fall foliage timing due to higher elevation, season from September to November.
Saratoga Springs
In upstate New York, you can find Saratoga Springs in Saratoga County. From October, you can enjoy the fall foliage alongside its arts and culture scene, natural mineral springs, and horse racing.
To be captivated by the goldenrod, red, and orange colors, try Congress Park and Saratoga Spa State Park. Particularly the latter if you want to enjoy cross-country skiing trails, snowshoeing, and ice skating later in the year.
Lake George

Also in upstate New York, you’ll find Lake George, known as the ‘Queen of the American Lakes’ with good reason.
This is an ideal destination for a family to enjoy nature. With many lakeside activities to enjoy from canoeing to fishing, you may want to get on the water for a paddle boat ride! Or in a pontoon boat. Overall, the views around the lake are stunning.
From early to late October, the fall foliage of black spruce, red maple, white pine, northern white cedar, and balsam fir trees turn to vivid shades of red and orange.
Oh, you’re going for the full scenic tour, aren’t you? Love it! Let’s kick off this autumn adventure with the grandeur of Niagara Falls. Seriously, the fall season at Niagara Falls is like nature’s fireworks display, a spectacle you’ve gotta see at least once. Then there’s Lake Ontario, putting on its own vibrant show that perfectly frames its peaceful waters. But hold on, we’re just getting started.
Lake George in the Adirondacks is an absolute must-see. Imagine cruising on the lake with a backdrop of fiery reds and oranges. Pure magic, right? And don’t even get me started on Lake Placid—this spot deserves a double visit. Lake Placid with its angle offers a unique blend of colors and reflections.
Sleepy Hallow
Ah, Sleepy Hollow! The name alone sends chills down your spine, but in Sleepy Hallow, autumn scenery will warm your heart. And let’s not forget the star of the show, Long Island. This place is like the all-access pass to New York’s fall foliage, from Shelter Island to the sprawling orchards.
Speaking of orchards, apple picking on Long Island or Hudson Valley is a must, because what’s fall without apple picking and apple cider? Want a mountain view? Hunter Mountain and Lake Champlain serve up panoramas that’ll take your breath away. For a second dose of lakeside charm, circle back to Lake George—it’s that good. Seneca Lake adds a cherry on top, rounding out your fall foliage itinerary with its own peaceful allure.
Oh, and while we’re on the topic of jaw-dropping landscapes, consider extending your fall season tour to the Grand Canyon. Though not in New York, its vast expanses turn into a sea of autumn hues that can compete with any East Coast spectacle. So, ready to explore and make this fall the ultimate scenic journey?
New York City
The best time to visit New York City is in early winter during the festive season.
Though there is nothing quite like an NYC Christmas, you may want to get there around Thanksgiving for the peak time of New York fall foliage.
In New York City and Long Island, mid to late November is the best time to see fall foliage. The colors may have already changed in the rest of New York State.
Central Park

Around this time of the year, several locations offer various examples of New York fall foliage. Central Park is clearly the ideal location to visit to see the trees change colors from bright orange, yellow, and red leaves.
With 1,250 acres to choose from, there is a lot to choose from. However, the conservancy lake that lies at Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street is a great spot to view the hawthorn trees.
There is also the 38-acre Ramble bang in the middle of Central Park while the Upper West Side of Manhattan should also feature decidedly bright red leaves.
Manhattan
For a relatively little-known spot in the metropolis, seek out Fort Tryon Park which is close to the Cloisters Museum and Gardens. Hidden in the Inwood neighborhoods, you can find glorious views of the Hudson River and even a tiny garden.
As fall approaches, take a hike to Linden Terrace which is one of the highest spots, aside from a skyscraper, in Manhattan.
There are a full 20 miles of cliffs with bright orange and copper foliage to enjoy while you can marvel across the Hudson River Palisades.
Brooklyn
In Brooklyn, at the same time, you can expect to see a huge color change of up to 95% with red, orange, and yellow leaves. The areas to look out for in Brooklyn are Greenpoint and Williamsburg which can experience prominent leaf droppage.
The black birch, tulip trees, and red maples on New York’s Fifth Avenue, especially between Bergen and 9th Streets, are notable fall foliage in New York.
The best time to see the gold and rust-colored leaves is in October.
As an alternative to Central Park, check out Prospect Park as it was designed by the same pair of individuals; Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted.

At 585 acres, you should find it easier to cover more ground. The sugar maple trees turn from green to red and orange by the waters. By late October, try the Ravine, which is a lushly wooded area known for its plentiful concentration of plants.
Queens
Alley Pond Park in Queens is a great place to go for fall foliage. The 657 acres is where you can find the largest and oldest tulip trees. These include the Alley Pond Giant featured on the Tulip Tree Trail.
That tree alone is well worth a visit. However, the surrounding pin oaks, black cherries, white pines, American beech, red oaks, sweet gums, and red maples also complement the red and orange shades.
For a long hike, venture into the forest, appreciate the serene wetlands, and savor the distant view from New York City.
Staten Island
Then there is Staten Island where you can visit Snug Harbor and see the trees shift from green to red. Bloomingdale Park has a range of woodlands across its 139 acres and the pin oaks, sweet gums, and red maples will turn orange and red.
The park also has several fall foliage hikes where you can find out more about how the leaves change color and find the best views of the lush woods. Again, October may be your best time to visit.
Towards the end of October, be sure to visit Greenbelt Nature Center. It certainly is worth a day trip with the family to take it all in.
The public parkland encompasses 1,778 acres and in fall it comes to life. The forests are largely undisturbed so you can get away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life to enjoy the bright red and orange foliage.
Aside from the leaves, another feature of the parkland is the plethora of birds and animals. One of the best vantage points to take it all in is Moses’ Mountain. The vantage point allows you a panoramic view of the foliage from 200 feet up.
That foliage would include hickory, oak, sweet gum, maple, tulip, and beech trees. Also, don’t skip the Greenbelt Conservancy, which has Fall Foliage Walks from the Nature Center. If you escape the busy city life, then take your family to experience nature’s finest.
The Bronx
If mid-October is your ideal time to catch some fall foliage then head to The Bronx, specifically Old Croton Adequate. The Douglas fir and Ginkgo trees are decidedly more than adequate with both offering a sense of peace.

The trees line the dirt pathway from Croton Dam found in Cortlandt all the way to Van Cortlandt Park.
Should you want to see it all a bit quicker then hop on two wheels and ride on the sidewalk. It can be a bit dangerous if you encounter traffic.
New York Botanical Garden
New York Botanical Garden is a 250-acre outdoor museum in the center of The Bronx. For a small fee, you can enjoy their vast collection of vegetation and flowers. However, come October, the red maple, oak, sweet gum, and tulip trees beautify the city with their red and purple colors.
Among the valleys and ridges of the northwest Bronx is Van Cortlandt Park, worth a visit in its own right.
The park is mostly wooded, with over 60% of its area covered by sweet gum, hickory, and oak trees. These trees display beautiful rust and orange-colored leaves in the fall. For a great view, head to the 1.1-mile Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, where you can also find maple and tulip trees.
John Muir Trail
The John Muir Trail passes through the Northeast Forest, where you can find a marsh filled with frogs, as well as sweet gum, red oak, and tulip trees.
Though it may be a bit of a trek, Wave Hill can be ideal if you want to find a sedate area to do some leaf-peeping.
The 28-acre public outdoor museum overlooks the Hudson River and after a hike to the main outlook, you can take in the Hudson River under the pergola.
During fall, the black birch, maples, sweet and sour gums, and tulip trees provide a stunning display of orange and red colors.
If you need a break, sit on a Wave Hill Chair from the Museum of Modern Art collection.
Bronx River Greenway
Finally, there is the Bronx River Greenway which is a 25-mile multi-use path that snakes a trail of green.
Arrive in October to enjoy the changing colors of various tree species, including oaks, London planes, sassafras, tulip poplars, red maples, sycamores, and beech trees.
The path connects various New York City parks including those that line the Bronx River starting from the Bronx-Westchester County line all the way to Soundview Park.
Final Thoughts
From October, New York comes alive with fall foliage and though there are several places in New York City to see it, head further out and you will be duly rewarded.
Upstate New York is an ideal place to travel to as you can take in the sights of Lake Placid, Breakneck Ridge, Saratoga Springs, as well as the Adirondacks.
To the west of the state, there is Finger Lakes though closer to NYC you can simply head to The Catskills and Hudson Valley as the leaves turn into bright hues of yellow, orange, and crimson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering how large the state of New York is, you could see different stages of fall foliage based on the location. Starting at the top of the state, you can expect to see fall foliage from the end of September.
In the White Mountain region, this happens a bit later into October. While in the south you can expect to see fall foliage begin in the middle of October.
Fall foliage occurs when the color of the leaves changes and they fall to the ground. Weather conditions such as rainstorms, particularly windy ones, cause the leaves to drop, earlier than they would naturally.
Sunny and cold weather in fall increases anthocyanin production, enhancing foliage color.
A wet summer improves tree health and leaf retention, resulting in vibrant fall foliage.
Hot and drought-ridden summers can cause trees to change color and lose leaves earlier.
The species of the tree can affect fall foliage, including sugar maple, vine maple, Franklin tree, apple serviceberry, and Washington hawthorn.
Areas with conifers and evergreen trees may have less intense fall colors but offer a pleasant contrast.
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